Venezuelan nationals held after armed robbery in Penal

Two Venezuelan nationals were arrested and a loaded revolver seized shortly after an armed robbery attempt in Penal on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.

Police report that around 6 a.m., a driver plying his vehicle for hire picked up two men along with an existing passenger. On reaching Clarke Road, Penal, one of the men struck the driver on the back of the head with a metal object, while the other pointed a gun at him. A struggle ensued, during which the driver was shot in the left thigh.

The passenger fled and alerted two security guards, who assisted police in apprehending the suspects shortly after. Officers seized a Smith & Wesson revolver loaded with two rounds of ammunition. The men were handed over to the Penal Criminal Investigations Department and are expected to be charged with wounding with intent, possession of a firearm and ammunition, and assault with intent to rob.

In the Port of Spain Division, an Inter-Agency Task Force operation between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the Upper Nelson Street Plannings resulted in the seizure of cannabis, cocaine, 61 rounds of 5.56 ammunition, and one rifle magazine.

Meanwhile, in the Western Division, Task Force officers conducted an exercise in Diego Martin between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

The Port of Spain operation was spearheaded by ACP Hazel, Snr Supt Sooker, Supt Ramsook, ASP Singh, and included the Joint Operations Task Force and Canine Branch.

Police say investigations into all incidents are ongoing.